Water, Power and waiting

I

imported_edschwab1

New member
I am just starting out part time (I have been a detailing enthusiast for a long time) hoping to supplement my income and have the following questions. I am planning to be mobile, but can provide place if need, but I will be charged a small fee.



What do mobile detailers do for water for the wash?

Ask client for water hook up?

If so, do you offer the client a slight reduction in price?

Also, how do you ask or sell this to the client?

Use a waterless or low water wash? I have used Quick and Easy wash, with ok results. I plan on trying Poorboy's wash.

Purchase water tank?





Power for Buffer and vacuum

Ask client for power outlet to hook up extension cords?

If so, do you offer the client a slight reduction in price?

Also, how do you ask or sell this to the client?

Purchase a generator?



Waiting room

If a client brings a car to your location do you:

a. Provide a waiting area

b. Provide a ride

c. Tell client they will need a ride





Eric
 
Eric, I am no where near the level of most of the guys on here, but I do some detailing on the side so I hope this helps a little. Mostly it's just my .02



So far it's been mostly for people from work and I've been doing it out of my garage. The guys/gals that have actually gotten me to detail their cars are very willing to stick around and learn a few things or talk while I detail their cars. Because I work with some of them, sometimes I'll take their car and they'll take mine (yes, I'm still driving my winter beater and not my thunderbird) and then when I'm done, we'll arrange to meet up somewhere after..... that is, if they really need a car. Other wise they just come over on days off. I usually have pop, and the odd bag of chips around (yes, sometimes beer!) that they can have. I've even let one person's kid watch TV while I detailed their BMW (I wouldn't normally suggest this, but I knew the kid prior and she was very good....didn't touch a thing).



As for the mobile thing....anybody that wants me to detail their car wherever they live know in advance that I need power and water. I've only done two like this, but neither person minded.
 
So far I have been detailing on the side for 3.5 months now. When I first started I thought that I needed a water tank and generator, so I went out and bought those.



However the first thing that I noticed when I went to people's homes is that they were quick to point out their hose, and electrical outlets. So far I have washed/detailed around 50 cars/trucks and have needed my generator/water tank twice. If you are doing this on the side then spend your money on getting better detailing equipment(mf towels, extractor, rotary buffer etc.). I know that this what I wish I would have done.
 
Edscwab, I have been doing some on-the-side detailing for a while now, especially since I moved to FL one year ago. I try not to do the details at my house unless I know the people well, if so I usually pick up their car or give them a ride to wherever they need to be. Usually I have no problem with water and electricity, and the clients have been really nice some offering me lunch, soda, and beer. I usually bring my own drinks and snacks anyways. I do sometimes have clients who live in apartment complex's, which means no water or electricity. What I have done is bring my own water and do a QEW wash. Someone suggested to me that I bring a very long extension cord and see if it is possible to use the electicity in their apartment. Sometimes these complex's have washing areas which will give you water and a vacuum, but no electricity for a PC. I don't do enough work to justify a generator or water tank, so I have learned how to do a good job with what is available and explain it to the clients.
 
I use QEW exclusively, so I carry a 5 gallon water jug with me. As for power, most people would prefer you use their outlet instead of firing up a generator for 30-40 minutes. Like millikan, most people point out their hose (which I do not need) and their electrical outlets. Doesn't seem to be a problem at all, my regulars know what to expect, and the people they refer to me also do.



I do have a rechargable Euroshark vac and a 12v Campbell-Hausen vac if no power is available-the C-H vac is similar to a Dirt Devil vac with the rotating brushes-pretty powerful for what it is.
 
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